Taught by Miss Sarah, the ballet classes at North Star Dance Studio follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, from Primary to Grade 8, and vocational levels Intermediate Foundation through to Advanced 2. For those who wish to sit exams, these take place in either June or November, and each ballet pupil is given the opportunity to perform in the annual show.
Ballet Class Gradings Explained
Nursery Ballet
This relaxed, fun, ballet class is for children age 2 ½ upwards. Parents stay to watch their children, but aren’t required to join in. We understand that many children attend regular Nursery School sessions, and that some of these are in the morning whilst others are in the afternoon. To give as many children as possible the opportunity to join a session, we offer a morning slot (Mondays) or an afternoon slot (Fridays). The weekly classes combine elements of repetition with improvisation, so children can get comfort from familiar tasks, whilst also being challenged with new ideas. Nursery ballet is also a wonderful opportunity for pupils to make new friends in a safe, fun environment. Nursery students are encouraged to participate in the annual show, should they want to, but no examinations are held at this age. Once children move on to Primary school they move up to Primary Ballet.
Primary Ballet
This class is for pupils in P1 and P2, and combines Primary and Pre-Primary exercises from the RAD syllabus. Students have the opportunity to sit their first exams in this class (although there is NO requirement to do this), and perform in the annual show, should they wish.
Grades 1-8 Ballet
Each RAD Grade follows its own syllabus, with set exercises and dances, providing an opportunity for progression and growth year upon year. As would be expected, the higher the grade, the harder the exercises! New students would be enrolled into the Grade most suitable for their age group.
Vocational-Level Ballet
Vocational classes encompass Intermediate Foundation, through to Advanced 2, and are for students who take their ballet a little more seriously. Classes are still loads of fun, but pupils in these sessions are expected to work hard, often putting in extra practice at home. Students are invited to attend these levels once they have reached the skill level required, but roughly-speaking, Intermediate Foundation would be for students no younger than P6 / P7 and up.
Adult Ballet
Combining a mixture of exercises at the barre with those in the centre, Adult ballet is for all ages and all levels of experience. The class mixes elements of RAD syllabus work (“Discovering Repertoire”) with individually choreographed exercises. In the past, some adult ballet students have gone on to sit RAD exams and perform in the annual production, but this is NOT a requirement of the class. Each student works at their own level, taking the session as seriously (or not!) as they like.
Adult ballet is the only North Star Dance Studio class which operates a Pay As You Go payment option, rather than 6-weekly invoicing.
FAQ
Can anyone do ballet?
Yes! Our youngest ballet pupils are age 2 ½ and our classes go right up to adult. Boys and girls can train in ballet, and we offer RAD exams to those who want to take them, and performance opportunities too.
Is ballet fun?
We think so, yes! Many of our dancers take ballet lessons purely for fun, and some love it so much they take multiple ballet classes each week. For those who show a greater interest and dedication to ballet, we offer the opportunity to study the RAD Vocational levels too.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
We ask that all pupils (with the exception of our adult dancers) wear the proper uniform and ballet shoes. Please contact us for full details of what is required for each class. For those new to ballet, leggings and a t-shirt is perfect to start with, until the uniform can be bought. Adult dancers are asked to wear comfortable clothing and have a well-fitting pair of ballet shoes.
For details of all our ballet classes please see the timetable. If you are not sure which class is suitable, please contact us.